The Dutchmen return home to play their second weekend of ECAC games. Their opponents are Brown and Yale.
Brown has been one of the weaker teams in the ECAC in recent history during the regular season. This does not mean they will be an easy opponent. They have always given Union a tough time, and this year should be no different.
In four ECAC games so far, they are even at 2-2. Their two wins have come against Princeton and Cornell. Cornell beat Yale 6-2 last week.
They are not known as a great offensive team, but put up five goals last Saturday to beat Cornell. Offensively they are led by Massimo Lamacchia, a freshman, who is off to a great start. He has 4 pts in 4 games (3g 1a).
Other notable offensive players are Jack Maclellan who was tied for first on team with 31 points last season, Chris Zaires who was third with 21, and Dennis Robertson who had 17 as freshman last season.
In goal for the Bears is Mike Clemente who has started all four games. He is not off to a great start this season, posting a 3.03 gaa and .885 save pct.
For special teams, the Bears have been lackluster on the power play, but have only allowed two power play goals this season (2-21) in four games, not allowing more than one power play goal in a single game.
Moving on, Yale will be the focus this week. The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable Sports. Yale was considered the front runners for the Cleary Cup this season, as they were chosen to finish first in both the preseason polls. Currently they are ranked 13th in the nation (Union is ranked 9th)
Yale lost a good group of players like Union, but still returns a potent offense and solid goaltending.
Like Brown they have only played four games (all ECAC). They currently have a 2-1-1 record, with their one loss against Cornell, which was a 6-2 beatdown.
In goal for the Bulldogs is junior Jeff Malcolm who has started every game. He has posted an impressive 1.98 gaa and a .938 save pct.
On offense the Bulldogs return top scorers Brian O'Niell (46 points) and Andrew Miller (45 points).
The offense hasn't been that great yet, only scoring two goals in every game so far.
For special teams the power play hasn't been spectacular, but they have scored a power play goal in every game. For the kill, they have only allowed one power play goal all season, and have only taken 14 penalties all season.
Both of these games should be tough for Union, but they have a chance to walk away with four more points. Both teams are beatable, with Yale looking a little worse than they were last season.
Lets Go Union!
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